CBI versus CBI: Modi government goes on the defensive

ET Now|

Updated: Oct 25, 2018, 08.07 AM IST

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The government is clearly on the defensive, with finance minister Arun Jaitley saying that the Centre had no option

Facing severe criticism over the CBI infighting, the government on Wednesday shunted out two of its top bosses — Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana — who have launched a no holds barred battle against each other. The Centre has now named joint director Nageshwara Rao as the top boss of the country’s premier investigation agency. For the first time in history, the main offices of the CBI have been sealed pending the probe against Verma and Asthana.

The government is clearly on the defensive, with finance minister Arun Jaitley saying that the Centre had no option and it is only following the directives of the Central Vigilance Commission. But instead of dousing the fire, the move to sideline Verma and Asthana has backfired on the Modi government, which looks clueless about the ongoing developments at CBI. On one hand, Verma has challenged the decision to remove him as CBI director, pointing to his protection under the Constitution. In his petition, Verma has cited repeated interventions by the Modi government in several important cases. On the other hand, Opposition parties have stepped up the attack against the NDA government saying that Verma has been shunted out only because he wanted to probe the Rafale deal.

Coming on the eve of the crucial assembly elections, the murky dealings at the CBI could prove to be costly for the Modi government. On ET NOW’s India Development Debate, experts discussed the slugfest at CBI and its political ramifications. Here are some key observations:

Satvik Varma

Corporate lawyer

We have the Vineet Narain judgement which stipulates what needs to be done on the way the premier agency has to function. As per the DPSE rules, there is a fixed term. A detailed committee was appointed; the same committee has to look into allegations of the said director. Some of the allegations that Alok Verma has made and the transfer of the officer to Andaman... it leads us to more questions than answers. The ball is in the Supreme Court’s court.

Yogendra Yadav

Founder, Swaraj India Party

This is being portrayed as if it is an ego battle. Asthana is there as a henchman of the PMO. There comes a time when a straightforward person like Alok Verma can’t take it anymore. When someone commits a crime, they make a cover-up story. If the CVC believes that there are serious charges against Verma then why didn’t they file an FIR? You don’t have to invent it. Why wasn’t it taken to the committee?

Vinit Goenka

Ex-natl Co-Convener IT cell, BJP

CVC met on Tuesday with the full board. They recommended both should go. This can be an HR issue coupled with criminality. Corruption Act of 1988 states what the role of CVC is. Let us wait for the court order. If one was incorrect, then they will come out. In the best interest of the organisation, this was the right decision. We were not interfering... that’s why the director had filed an FIR. Let them have a judicial inquiry.

Muhammad Khan

Spokesperson, Congress

It is essential to delve into the context. Asthana was a selfprofessed blue-eyed boy of PM Modi. There was a violation of procedure. Alok Verma has longstanding reputation of probity; he objected and raised the issue to the CVC. CBI holds a press conference, publishes an FIR... that’s their courage of conviction. They can try diversionary tactics, but they are hollow. Carry out the investigation in a free and fair manner. The moment for reckoning is coming.